Crossing the Hohe Veitsch in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park

Over the ridge we climb to the small, striking summit cross - a magnificent close-up view of the Hohe Veitsch opens up before us.

Return along the ridge and up to the so-called Gingatzwiese - we soon stand on the gentle plateau of the Veitsch. Keeping to the right, we go slightly uphill to the mighty summit cross of the Hohe Veitsch, the highest point of our mountain tour.

Descending in a southerly direction for about 20 minutes, we then reach the Graf Meranhaus, a large refuge that is open almost all year round. An extensive rest is recommended, because our tour is far from over.

Now we hike up and down the plateau in an easterly direction until we reach the so-called Goassteign, a narrow path that leads steeply downhill. Following this path we reach the gently sloping alpine pasture area east of the Brunnalm.

But don't descend too far, at a clearly visible and large hunting lodge (Weitzerhütte) we turn right and head uphill towards Predigtstuhl.

Over a prominent ridge, finally through a mountain pine and alder alley, we follow a partially poorly recognizable trail to the foot of the Predigtstuhl wall.

Here you have to first climb up on the right over scree and then keep a little to the left over a brittle, exposed rock band to a small ridge step. Straight up (rock here quite firm, short rope section - as of 06 2018) to a niche with a climbing book (metal box). Once again somewhat more difficult over good rock straight up and then keep right over steep grass to the exit.

Across the plateau in a northerly direction on the hiking trail known from the ascent and again down through the toboggan to the starting point.

Mountain rescue emergency call: 140, operation centers in Neuberg an der Mürz and Mürzzuschlag.

Pack heavy things first. The water bottle (ideally: 1 liter or more) should always be within easy reach. All things that are often needed such as sunglasses, camera, cell phone or hiking map belong on top.

An emergency kit including blister plaster belongs in every backpack and a clothing according to the "onion system" is always recommended! Never forget rain protection for alpine tours! Helmet!

In winter, when ski touring and snowshoeing, appropriate safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, avalanche shovel and probe) is mandatory! Before the tour always call up the avalanche situation report (www.lawine-steiermark.at).

Burial search devices, avalanche shovels and probes can be rented at the nature park office for a small fee.

ÖBB www.oebb.at or Verbundlinie Steiermark www.busbahnbim.at.

With the BusBahnBim app of the Verbundlinie, timetable information is easier than ever: all connections by bus, train and streetcar in Austria can be queried by entering places and / or addresses, stops or important points. The app is available as a free app for smartphones (Android, iOS) - on Google Play and in the App Store.

Mürzer Oberland Nature Park Office, Tel. +43 3857 8321, www.muerzeroberland.at , open Mon. - Fri. from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Styria Tourism, Tel. +43 316 4003, www.steiermark.com

TRV Hochsteiermark, tel. +43 3862 55020, www.hochsteiermark.at

Tip: the Styria Tours app, available for free on Google Play and in the App Store (Android, iOS), offers detailed first-hand information: short facts (length, duration, difficulty, ascent and descent in altitude meters, ratings), map, route descriptions, altimeter, compass, summit finder, navigation along the tour. In addition, you can create your personal favorites list of favorite tours and points, save tours and destinations offline, play social media channels and more.

Mountain, hiking and nature park guides: Information at the Nature Park Office Mürzer Oberland, Tel.: +43 3857 8321.

By the way, get your personal summit pins with the Summit Lynx App: www.summitlynx.com

Kompass hiking maps Vienna Hausberge, Schneeberg, Rax, 1:25.000, Freytag & Berndt hiking maps Semmering, Rax, Schneeberg, Schneealpe and Hochschwab, Veitschalpe, Eisenerz, Bruck an der Mur, 1:50.000.

Tip: the free Pocket Card hiking route "From Glacier to Wine" can be found at www.steiermark.com, the High Styrian hiking map "Hoch hinaus" and the "BergZeitReise" are available free of charge at the Nature Park office.